Electronic apparatus including device configured to be shifted to power saving state and connected to pci device, and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus includes a semiconductor integrated circuit, another semiconductor integrated circuit connected to the semiconductor integrated circuit via a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, and devices (a hard disk drive (HDD), and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) connected to the another semiconductor integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit transmits a predetermined instruction to the another semiconductor integrated circuit, and the another semiconductor integrated circuit shifts the PCI bus to a non-communicable state or a state communicable at low speed. Thereafter, the another semiconductor integrated circuit shifts the devices (the HDD and the DRAM) to a power saving state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus which includesa device configured to be shifted to a power saving state and isconnected to a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) device.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in saving power ofelectronic apparatuses such as a personal computer (PC) and amultifunction printer (MFP), and legal restraints have been placedthereon. For example, there is provided a regulation called “Lot26”which defines an upper limit of power consumption at network standby.The Runtime D3 (hereinafter, called as “RTD3”) is provided as atechnique for realizing reduction of power consumption at networkstandby. The RTD3 is a technique which causes a peripheral componentinterconnect (PCI) device to enter a power saving state even when acentral processing unit (CPU) is in an active state in a configurationin which PCI devices are connected to the CPU via a PCI Express(hereinafter, called as “PCIe”) bus. A power state of the PCI device isdefined as a D0 state or a D3 state. The D0 state corresponds to theactive state, and the D3 state corresponds to the power saving state inwhich less power is consumed than in the active state. Further, a powerstate of a system of the electronic apparatus is defined as an S state.An S0 state corresponds to an active state, an S3 state corresponds to asuspended state, and an S5 state corresponds to a power off state. Inthe RTD3, the D state of the PCI device can be changed to the D0 or D3state when the system is in the S0 or S3 state (See Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2017-177573).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-177573 discusses a methodof shifting the PCI device to the power saving state; however, a powersaving method for a device connected to the PCI device is not discussed.Since, in an electronic apparatus such as a PC, devices such as adynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a hard disk drive (HDD) havetended to be connected to the PCI device in the recent years, it isnecessary to shift these devices (hereinafter, called as “targetdevices”) to the power saving state in order to bring the entireelectronic apparatus into the power saving state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to shift a target device connected to the PCI device to thepower saving state, the CPU first transmits an instruction to shift thetarget device to the power saving state to the PCI device. Upon receiptof the instruction, the PCI device shifts the target device to the powersaving state. However, in a case where the CPU accesses the targetdevice via the PCI device when the target device is being shifted or hasbeen shifted to the power saving state, the target device is notaccessible, or the access speed is slow. This may result in a time-outerror to occur. Because it is not possible to manage restrictions onaccess from various applications executed by the CPU with respect to thedevices connected to the PCI device, an error occurs when the CPUaccesses the target device.

The present invention is directed to a technique of shifting a deviceconnected to a PCI device to a power saving state without occurrence ofan access error.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic apparatusof the present invention includes a first device, a second deviceconnected to the first device via a peripheral component interconnect(PCI) bus, and a third device connected to the second device. The firstdevice transmits a predetermined instruction to the second device, andthe second device shifts the third device to a power saving state aftershifting the PCI bus to a non-communicable state or a state communicableat low speed.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of embodiments with reference to the attacheddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a systemincluding an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a main controller of the imageforming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a power state of the image formingapparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a table illustrating operation modes of the image formingapparatus and power states of components thereof according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A to 5F are flowcharts illustrating a shifting sequence of theoperation modes according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the main controller illustrating apower saving state in a copy mode according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the main controller illustratingthe power saving state in a print mode according to the embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the main controller illustratingthe power saving state in a sleep mode according to the embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a state diagram illustrating states of peripheral componentinterconnect express (PCIe) functions and devices according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for shifting a powerstate to the power saving state in conjunction with the PCIe functionsaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing for returning from thepower saving state in conjunction with the PCIe functions according tothe embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment embodying the present invention will be described withreference to the appended drawings.

<Image Forming Apparatus>

A first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagramillustrating a configuration of a system including an image formingapparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunctionprinter (MFP) which executes image input/output and various types ofimage processing. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a maincontroller 101, an operation unit 102 serving as a user interface, ascanner 103 serving as an image input device, and a printer 104 servingas an image output device. Each of the operation unit 102, the scanner103, and the printer 104 is communicably connected to the maincontroller 101, and operates according to an instruction from the maincontroller 101. Further, the main controller 101 is connected to a localarea network (LAN) 106, so as to be communicable via a network. Apersonal computer (PC) 105 can communicate with the image formingapparatus 100 via the LAN 106. A user inputs a printing instructionusing an application (printer driver) operating on the PC 105, so that aprint job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 from the PC105. The operation unit 102 includes a display unit and a touch panelfor detecting a touch operation performed on the display unit. Theoperation unit 102 further includes a hard key for providing a copyingexecution instruction, numerical keys, and a hard key for shifting orreturning the image forming apparatus 100 to/from a sleep mode.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of a main controller 101.The main controller 101 includes a semiconductor integrated circuit 200Amainly executing image processing and a semiconductor integrated circuit200B mainly executing general information processing and controlling astate of the apparatus. The semiconductor integrated circuits 200A and200B can communicate with each other via a peripheral componentinterconnect express (PCIe) bus 200C. The semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A is communicably connected to the scanner 103 and theprinter 104. The semiconductor integrated circuit 200A is alsocommunicably connected to the operation unit 102. The semiconductorintegrated circuit 200B is connected to the LAN 106 via a LAN controller407.

Next, the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A will be described indetail. The semiconductor integrated circuit 200A includes a maincentral processing unit (CPU) 201A as a main control unit. The main CPU(main processor) 201A is connected to a sub-CPU 224A and a static randomaccess memory (SRAM) 214 via a system bus 207A. The main CPU 201A alsois connected to a PCIe interface (I/F) 209A, a read only memory (ROM)I/F 202A, a dynamic RAM (DRAM) I/F 203A, a hard disk drive (HDD) I/F205, an operation unit I/F 206, and an image bus I/F 211 via the systembus 207A. A ROM 405A is a read only memory which stores a boot programfor activating the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A, apredetermined execution program, and settings used for initializationprocessing for each module included in the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A. The ROM 405A is connected to the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A via the ROM I/F 202A. The sub-CPU 224A is a sub-processorfor assisting the main CPU 201A, and executes control of a part of themodules included in the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A and powercontrol of the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A. The SRAM 214 is asmall-scale storage area built into the semiconductor integrated circuit200A. The SRAM 214 is used as a loading destination of a boot programread from the ROM 405A. The SRAM 214 is also used as a work memory foroperating a program of the sub-CPU 224A. The DRAM 401A is a storage areareadable and writable at any time, which provides a work area used as awork memory of the main CPU 201A. Further, the DRAM 401A is used forstoring a temporary setting value of the image forming apparatus 100 andinformation about a job to be executed. The DRAM I/F 203A is aninterface that connects the DRAM 401A and the system bus 207A to eachother. The DRAM I/F 203A includes a memory controller for controllingthe DRAM 401A, and reads and writes data from/to the DRAM 401A. The HDD402 is a non-volatile storage area used as an area for storing anoperating system (OS) of the system. The HDD 402 is also used as astorage area for temporarily storing a large volume of image data. TheHDD I/F 205 is a high-speed interface which connects the HDD 402 and thesystem bus 207A to each other and is compliant with, for example, theSerial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) standard. The PCIe I/F (PCIinterface) 209A is an interface compliant with the PCI Express standard,which communicably connects the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A asan endpoint and the below-described semiconductor integrated circuit200B as a root complex. Then, the PCIe I/F 209A exchanges data betweenthe semiconductor integrated circuits 200A and 200B. The operation unitI/F 206 is an interface for executing input/output processing with theoperation unit 102. The operation unit I/F 206 outputs image data to bedisplayed to the operation unit 102. Further, the operation unit I/F 206outputs information received from the user via the operation unit 102 tothe CPU 201A. When the operation unit 102 receives a user input, theoperation unit I/F 206 outputs an interrupt signal for notifying themain CPU 201A, the sub-CPU 224A, and the below-described CPU 201B thatthe input is received. The image bus I/F 211 is an interface whichconnects the system bus 207A and an image bus 210 for transferring imagedata at high speed, and operates as a bus bridge for converting a datastructure.

A DRAM I/F 221, a scanner image processing unit 218, a raster imageprocessor (RIP) 217, an image compression/decompression unit 216, aprinter image processing unit 212, and an expansion image bus I/F 215are connected to the image bus 210. Similar to the DRAM I/F 203A, theDRAM I/F 221 includes a memory controller for controlling a DRAM 404,and reads and writes data from/to the DRAM 404. The DRAM 404 is used asa buffer memory for temporarily storing image data to be transferred viathe image bus 210 without the DRAM 401A connected to the system bus207A. The scanner I/F 219 is an interface for connecting the scanner 103and the scanner image processing unit 218, and converts a data format ofthe scanned image. The scanner image processing unit 218 executescorrection, processing, editing on the image data scanned by the scanner103. For example, the RIP 217 converts page description language (PDL)data which the PC 105 has transmitted as a print job into a bitmapimage. The image compression/decompression unit 216 executes JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression/decompression processingon multi-value image data, and executes Joint Bi-level Image ExpertsGroup (JBIG) compression/decompression processing on binary image data.The printer image processing unit 212 executes processing such as colorconversion processing, filter processing, and resolution conversionprocessing on print output image data to be output to the printer 104.The printer I/F 213 is an interface for connecting the printer 104 andthe printer image processing unit 212, and executessynchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data. The expansion imagebus I/F 215 is an expansion interface for mutually transmitting andreceiving image data on the image bus 210 to/from an expansionprocessing device 406 externally connected to the semiconductorintegrated circuit 200A. The expansion processing device 406 executesexpansion of the image processing function provided by theabove-described semiconductor integrated circuit 200A. Examples of theexpansion processing device 406 includes a device which executes controlprocessing for inhibiting an unauthorized copy by detecting acopy-forgery-inhibited pattern of scanned image data. The expansionprocessing device 406 will not be connected to the expansion image busI/F 215 in a case where expansion of the function of the image formingapparatus 100 is not necessary.

Next, details of the semiconductor integrated circuit 200B will bedescribed. The semiconductor integrated circuit 200B includes a CPU 201Bas a main control unit. The CPU 201B is connected to a PCIe I/F 209B, aROM I/F 202B, a DRAM I/F 203B, a LAN I/F 208, and a power control unit210B via a system bus 207B. The PCIe I/F 209B is an interface compliantwith the PCI Express standard, which communicably connects thesemiconductor integrated circuit 200B as a root complex and thesemiconductor integrated circuit 200A as an endpoint. Then, the PCIe I/F209B exchanges data between the semiconductor integrated circuits 200Aand 200B. A ROM 405B is a read only memory which stores a boot programfor activating the semiconductor integrated circuit 200B, apredetermined execution program, and settings used for initializationprocessing of each module included in the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200B. The ROM 405B is connected to the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200B via the ROM I/F 202B. The DRAM 401B is a storage areareadable and writable at any time, which provides a work area used as awork memory of the CPU 201B. The DRAM I/F 203B is an interface forconnecting the DRAM 401B and the system bus 207B. The DRAM I/F 203Bincludes a memory controller for controlling the DRAM 401B, and readsand writes data from/to the DRAM 401B. The LAN I/F 208 is an interfacefor connecting the LAN controller 407 and the system bus 207B. The LANI/F 208 transmits and receives information to/from the LAN 106 via theLAN controller 407. The LAN controller 407 transmits and receives imageinformation, device information, and files to/from an external devicesuch as the PC 105 connected to the LAN 106 via the LAN 106, andexecutes processing corresponding to a network packet transmitted viathe LAN 106. The power control unit 210B supplies and stops supplyingpower to each of the devices of the image forming apparatus 100. Inaddition, the power control unit 210B may be arranged outside thesemiconductor integrated circuit 200B.

<Operation Mode>

FIG. 3 is a state shifting diagram illustrating operation modes of theimage forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment has a copymode 302, a print mode 303, a sleep mode 304, and a deep-sleep mode 305as the operation modes. The copy mode 302, the print mode 303, and thesleep mode 304 corresponds to the S0 state of the S states defined inthe Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) standard. Thedeep-sleep mode 305 corresponds to the S3 state of the S states definedin the ACPI standard. The CPU 201B controls and manages the operationmodes according to a program which the CPU 201B executes on the DRAM401B. Except for the deep-sleep mode 305, each of the operation modeshas an active state and a power saving state where power consumption isreduced by inactivating or limiting a part of the functions.

Further, the image forming apparatus 100 has a power off state 301. Apower switch (not illustrated) is disposed on the image formingapparatus 100, and power supply to the entirety of the image formingapparatus 100 is shut off when the power switch is turned off. In thepower off state 301, power may be supplied to a part of the devices suchas a clock (not illustrated) and a circuit for monitoring the operationperformed on the power switch (not illustrated).

[Copy Mode]

When the power switch (not illustrated) is turned on, the image formingapparatus 100 shifts to the copy mode 302. In the copy mode 302, poweris supplied to the entirety of the image forming apparatus 100. The copymode 302 refers to a state where various jobs such as a copy job and aprint job are being executed or can be executed immediately. In the copymode 302, the image forming apparatus 100 receives an instruction fromthe user who is operating the image forming apparatus 100 via theoperation unit 102, and executes various jobs. The display unit of theoperation unit 102 is turned on.

[Copy Mode (Active State)]

The image forming apparatus 100 is in an active state 302A of the copymode 302 while a job is being executed in the copy mode 302. In theactive state 302A, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a clock and power aresupplied to the modules within the semiconductor integrated circuits200A and 200B necessary for executing copying and printing. In theactive state 302A, the CPU 201B of the semiconductor integrated circuit200B is in a normal operation state corresponding to the CO state of theC states defined in the ACPI standard. The semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A that is connected to the semiconductor integrated circuit200B via the PCIe I/F 209A is in the D0 state (i.e., normal operationstate) of the D states defined in the ACPI standard. In the active state302A of the copy mode 302, the HDD 402 can receive and transmit data,and power is supplied to the printer 104, the scanner 103, the operationunit 102, and the LAN controller 407 so that they are in an operablestate.

[Copy Mode (Low Power State)]

When execution of a job such as a copy job or a print job is ended, or apredetermined time has passed after execution of the job, as illustratedin FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 100 is shifted to a low powerstate (power saving state) 302B of the copy mode 302. In the low powerstate (power saving state) 302B, supply of a clock and power is stoppedor reduced with respect to the modules of the semiconductor integratedcircuits 200A and 200B which are not in use. In the low power state(power saving state) 302B, the CPU 201B of the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200B is in a C3 state, i.e., a sleep state with less powerconsumption. Further, the semiconductor integrated circuit 200Aconnected to the semiconductor integrated circuit 200B via the PCIe I/F209A is in the D3 state, i.e., a power saving state. The HDD 402 is in aSlumber state, i.e., a power-saving state defined in the SATA standard.When a copy job or a print job is received in the low power state (powersaving state) 302B of the copy mode 302, the above-described variousdevices are returned from the power saving state within a short periodof time and enters the active state 302A where execution of the job canbe started immediately.

[Print Mode]

The image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the print mode 303 when apredetermined time has passed without receiving an operation instructionvia the operation unit 102 in the copy mode 302. The print mode 303refers to a state where a print job is being executed or can be executedimmediately. The print mode 303 is an operation mode in which a printjob received via the LAN 106 is executed. In the print mode 303, powersupply is stopped with respect to the scanner 103 and the operation unit102 which are not used, so that more power can be saved than in the copymode 302. The display unit of the operation unit 102 is turned off inthe print mode 303.

[Print Mode (Active State)]

The image forming apparatus 100 is in the active state 303A of the printmode 303 while a job is being executed in the print mode 303. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, a clock and power are supplied to the modules ofthe semiconductor integrated circuits 200A and 200B which are necessaryfor executing printing. The active state 303A is similar to the activestate 302A of the copy mode 302 except that power supply is stopped withrespect to the scanner 103 and the operation unit 102 which are notused.

[Print Mode (Low Power State)]

When execution of a job such as a print job is ended or a predeterminedtime has passed after execution of the job, as illustrated in FIG. 4,the image forming apparatus 100 is shifted to a low power state (powersaving state) 303B of the print mode 303. In the low power state (powersaving state) 303B, supply of a clock and power is stopped or reducedwith respect to the modules of the semiconductor integrated circuits200A and 200B which are not in use. The low power state (power savingstate) 303B is similar to the low power state (power saving state) 302Bof the copy mode 302 except that power supply is stopped with respect tothe scanner 103 and the operation unit 102 which are not used.

[Sleep Mode]

The image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the sleep mode 304 when apredetermined time has passed without occurrence of any job in the printmode 303. The sleep mode 304 refers to a state where the CPU 201B isresponding to an inquiry from the network via the LAN 106 or standingready while supplying power to the added expansion processing device406. The sleep mode 304 is a power saving operation mode in which theimage forming apparatus 100 is ready to shift to the print mode 303 orthe copy mode 302. In the sleep mode 304, power supply is stopped withrespect to the printer 104 and the scanner 103 which are not used, sothat more power can be saved than in the print mode 303 and the copymode 302. The sleep mode 304 also has an active state and a low powerstate (power saving state).

[Sleep Mode (Active State)]

In the active state 304A of the sleep mode 304 as illustrated in FIG. 4,a clock and power are supplied to the modules of the semiconductorintegrated circuits 200A and 200B necessary for receiving an inquiryfrom the network. In the active state 304A of the sleep mode 304, powersupply is stopped with respect to the printer 104 that is not used.Since most of the functional modules within the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A which are used for image processing are not used in theactive state 304A, supply of a clock and power thereto can be stopped orreduced. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced considerably incomparison to that in the active state 303A of the print mode 303.

[Sleep Mode (Power Saving State)]

As illustrated in FIG. 4, after the CPU 201B transmits a networkresponse or when the expansion processing device 406 is in a stand-bystate, supply of a clock and power is stopped or reduced with respect tothe modules of the semiconductor integrated circuits 200A and 200B whichare not in use. In the power saving state 304B of the sleep mode 304,power supply is stopped with respect to the printer 104 that is notused. Since most of the modules within the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A are not used, supply of a clock and power is stopped orreduced with respect to these modules. Therefore, power consumption inthe power saving state 304B of the sleep mode 304 is less than the powerconsumption in the low power state (power saving state) 303B of theprint mode 303.

[Deep-Sleep Mode]

The image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the deep-sleep mode 305 when apredetermined time has passed after the CPU 201B transmits the lastnetwork response. In the deep-sleep mode 305, power is supplied to onlya module that is necessary for the image forming apparatus 100 to returnfrom the deep-sleep mode 305, such as the LAN controller 407. Thedeep-sleep mode 305 is a most power-saving operation mode in which theimage forming apparatus 100 stands ready while maintaining the networkconnection. For example, the LAN controller 407 returns a necessaryresponse to a network packet of a protocol such as an address resolutionprotocol (ARP), an internet control message protocol (ICMP), or a simplenetwork management protocol (SNMP), so that the image forming apparatus100 maintains the state of the deep-sleep mode 305.

<Flowchart for Shifting of Operation Mode>

FIGS. 5A to 5F are flowcharts illustrating a shifting sequence of theoperation modes of the image forming apparatus 100. The flowchart inFIG. 5A illustrates processing for shifting the image forming apparatus100 to the print mode 303 from the copy mode 302. This flowchart isexecuted by the CPU 201B controlling the various devices of the imageforming apparatus 100 according to a program executed in the DRAM 401B.

In the copy mode 302, power is supplied to the operation unit 102, and ascreen that prompts the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100is displayed. In step S5000, the CPU 201B determines whether theoperation unit 102 receives an operation instruction from the user. Whenthe operation unit 102 receives an operation instruction from the user(YES in step S5000), the image forming apparatus 100 executes a functionaccording to the operation instruction. For example, when the operationunit 102 receives an instruction for executing a copying operation fromthe user, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the copyingoperation. The main controller 101 includes a timer (not illustrated)that starts counting when the most recent operation instruction isprovided from the user. The main controller 101 resets the timer when acertain function is executed based on the operation instruction from theuser. In step S5001, the CPU 201B determines whether a value countedafter receiving the most recent operation instruction from the userexceeds a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has not passed(NO in step S5001), the processing returns to step S5000. In step S5000,the CPU 201B waits for an operation instruction from the user. On theother hand, if the predetermined time has passed after receiving themost recent operation instruction from the user (YES in step S5001),i.e., the image forming apparatus 100 has been in a non-operating statefor a predetermined time, the processing proceeds to step S5002. In stepS5002, the CPU 201B starts control processing for shifting the operationmode to the print mode 303. Next, in step S5003, the CPU 201B stops thepower supply to the operation unit 102 and the scanner 103 that are notnecessary for the print mode 303 so as to reduce the power consumptionof the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, even in a state wherethe power supply to the operation unit 102 is stopped and the touchpanel (not illustrated) is turned off, an operation input performed onthe display unit of the operation unit 102 may be accepted. When theoperation input is accepted, the touch panel (not illustrated) transmitsan interrupt signal for changing the operation mode of the image formingapparatus 100 to the power control unit 210B.

The flowchart in FIG. 5B illustrates processing for shifting the imageforming apparatus 100 to the sleep mode 304 from the print mode 303.This flowchart is executed by the CPU 201B controlling the variousdevices of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a programexecuted in the DRAM 401B.

In step S5010, the CPU 201B determines whether a new job has beenreceived. For example, if a print job is received via the LAN 106 in astate where power is supplied to the printer 104 in the print mode 303(YES in step S5010), printing can be executed immediately. The maincontroller 101 includes a timer (not illustrated) that starts countingwhen the most recent job is ended, and resets the timer when any job isexecuted. In step S5011, the CPU 201B determines whether a value countedafter the execution of the most recent job is ended exceeds apredetermined time. If the predetermined time has not passed (NO in stepS5011), the processing returns to step S5010. In step S5010, the CPU201B waits for a job to be entered. On the other hand, if thepredetermined time has passed after the execution of the most recent jobis ended (YES in step S5011), i.e., no job has been executed in thepredetermined time, the processing proceeds to step S5012. In stepS5012, the CPU 201B starts control processing for shifting the operationmode to the sleep mode 304. Next, in step S5013, the CPU 201B stops thepower supply to the printer 104 that is not necessary for the sleep mode304 so as to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus100.

The flowchart in FIG. 5C illustrates processing for shifting the imageforming apparatus 100 to the deep-sleep mode 305 from the sleep mode304. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 201B controlling the variousdevices of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a programexecuted in the DRAM 401B. In step S5020, the CPU 201B determineswhether the expansion processing device 406 is connected in the sleepmode 304. If the expansion processing device 406 is connected (YES instep S5020), the CPU 201B maintains the state of the sleep mode 304. Onthe other hand, if the expansion processing device 406 is not connected(NO in step S5020), the processing proceeds to step S5021. In stepS5021, the CPU 201B determines whether any network response hasoccurred. The main controller 101 includes a timer (not illustrated)that starts counting when the CPU 201B ends transmission of the mostrecent network response, and resets the timer when any network responseis transmitted by the CPU 201B in step S5021 (YES in step S5021). In thenetwork response processing executed by the CPU 201B, the CPU 201Bexecutes processing for reading data from the HDD 402 and returning aresponse based on the read data with respect to an inquiry about datastored in the HDD 402 which is transmitted from an external device. Instep S5022, the CPU 201B determines whether a value counted after theCPU 201B ends transmission of the most recent network response exceeds apredetermined time. If the predetermined time has not passed (NO in stepS5022), the processing returns to step S5021. In step S5021, the CPU201B waits for a network response. On the other hand, if thepredetermined time has passed after the CPU 201B ends transmission ofthe most recent network response (YES in step S5022), i.e., the imageforming apparatus 100 has been in a state where the CPU 201B does nothave to transmit a network response for a predetermined time, theprocessing proceeds to step S5023. In step S5023, the CPU 201B startscontrol processing for shifting the operation mode to the deep-sleepmode 305. Next, in step S5024, the CPU 201B stops the power to thesemiconductor integrated circuits 200A and 200B, and the HDD 402 whichare not necessary for the deep-sleep mode 305 so as to reduce the powerconsumption of the image forming apparatus 100.

The flowchart in FIG. 5D illustrates processing for shifting the imageforming apparatus 100 to the sleep mode 304 from the deep-sleep mode305. When an interrupt signal is transmitted to the power control unit210B from the LAN controller 407 or the operation unit 102, the powercontrol unit 210B supplies power to the semiconductor integratedcircuits 200A and 200B, and the HDD 402. Although the power supply tothe operation unit 102 is stopped in the deep-sleep mode 305, the touchpanel (not illustrated) transmits, to the power control unit 210B, aninterrupt signal for returning the operation mode from the deep-sleepmode 305 when an operation input is received from the user. In stepS5030, the CPU 201B determines whether an interrupt signal for returningthe operation mode from the deep-sleep mode 305 is received from theoperation unit 102. When an interrupt signal for returning the operationmode from the deep-sleep mode 305 is received from the operation unit102 (YES in step S5030), the processing proceeds to step S5032. In stepS5032, the CPU 201B starts processing for returning to the sleep mode304. On the other hand, in a case where an interrupt signal forreturning the operation mode from the deep-sleep mode 305 is notreceived from the operation unit 102 (NO in step S5030), the processingproceeds to step S5031. In step S5031, the CPU 201B determines whether anetwork packet to which the LAN controller 407 cannot respond isreceived. If a network packet to which the LAN controller 407 cannotrespond is received (YES in step S5031), the LAN controller 407transmits, to the power control unit 210B, an interrupt signal forreturning the operation mode from the deep-sleep mode 305. Theprocessing proceeds to step S5032 when the power control unit 210Breceives the interrupt signal for returning the operation mode from thedeep-sleep mode 305 from the LAN controller 407. In step S5032, uponreceipt of an instruction from the power control unit 210B, the CPU 201Bstarts processing for returning the operation mode to the sleep mode304. Further, if a network packet to which the LAN controller 407 canrespond is received (NO in step S5031), the LAN controller 407 returns aresponse, and the processing returns to step S5030. In step S5030, theoperation unit 102 waits for an operation input from the user. In stepS5032, the processing for returning the operation mode to the sleep mode304 is started. Then, in step S5033, the power control unit 210Bsupplies power to the semiconductor integrated circuits 200A and 200B,and the HDD 402.

The flowchart in FIG. 5E illustrates processing for shifting the imageforming apparatus 100 to the print mode 303 from the sleep mode 304.This flowchart is executed by the CPU 201B controlling the variousdevices of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a programexecuted in the DRAM 401B. Although the power supply to the operationunit 102 is stopped in the sleep mode 304, the touch panel transmits aninterrupt signal for returning the operation mode from the sleep mode304 to the power control unit 210B when an operation input is receivedfrom the user. In step S5040, the CPU 201B determines whether aninterrupt signal for returning the operation mode from the sleep mode304 is received from the operation unit 102. When an interrupt signalfor returning the operation mode from the sleep mode 304 is receivedfrom the operation unit 102 (YES in step S5040), the processing proceedsto step S5042. In step S5042, upon receipt of the instruction from thepower control unit 210B, the CPU 201B starts processing for returningthe operation mode to the print mode 303. Even in a case where the touchpanel does not receive any operation input from the user, upon receiptof a print job which uses the printer 104 via the LAN 106 (YES in stepS5041), the processing proceeds to step S5042. In step S5042, the CPU201B starts processing for returning the operation mode to the printmode 303. If a print job which uses the printer 104 is not received (NOin step S5041), the processing returns to step S5040, and the touchpanel waits for an operation input from the user. If the processing forreturning the operation mode to the print mode 303 is started in stepS5042, then in step S5043, the power control unit 210B supplies power tothe printer 104.

The flowchart in FIG. 5F illustrates processing for shifting the imageforming apparatus 100 to the copy mode 302 from the print mode 303. Thisflowchart is executed by the CPU 201B controlling the various devices ofthe image forming apparatus 100 according to a program executed in theDRAM 401B. Although the power supply to the operation unit 102 isstopped in the print mode 303, upon receipt of an operation input fromthe user, the operation unit can transmit an interrupt signal forreturning the operation mode from the print mode 303 to the CPU 201B. Instep S5050, the CPU 201B determines whether to receive an interruptsignal for returning the operation mode from the print mode 303 from theoperation unit 102. If the CPU 201B receives an interrupt signal forreturning the operation mode from the print mode 303 from the operationunit 102 (YES in step S5050), the processing proceeds to step S5051. Instep S5051, the CPU 201B starts processing for returning the operationmode to the copy mode 302. On the other hand, if the operation unit 102does not receive any operation input from the user (NO in step S5050),the operation unit 102 waits for the operation input from the user instep S5050. If processing for returning the operation mode to the copymode 302 is started in step S5051, then in step S5052, the CPU 201Binstructs the power control unit 210B to supply power to the operationunit 102 and the scanner 103.

<Detailed Description of Operation Mode>

Details of the main controller 101 in the low power states (power savingstates) of the respective operation modes illustrated in FIG. 4 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a state of the main controller101 in the low power state (power saving state) 302B of the copy mode302. The shaded portions in FIG. 6 indicate modules that are in thepower saving state. In the shifting from the active state 302A to thelow power state (power saving state) 302B as illustrated in FIG. 3, amodule of the semiconductor integrated circuit 200B is shifted to thelow power state (power saving state) 302B when the CPU 201B is in anidle state without executing processing to be executed. The main CPU201A, the HDD 402, the HDD I/F 205, the DRAM 401A, the DRAM I/F 203A areshifted to the power saving state when the PCIe bus 200C is shifted toan L3 state or an L1 state. In the L3 state, a clock supplied to thePCIe bus 200C is stopped. Further, in the L1 state, the frequency of theclock supplied to the PCIe bus 200C is lowered.

The main CPU 201A controls the rest of the modules to be shifted to theactive state only when they are used and to be shifted to the powersaving state when they are not used. On the contrary, when the powerstate is shifted from the low power state (power saving state) to theactive state, for example, the CPU 201B returns from the low power state(power saving state) at a timing when PDL printing processing isreceived from the LAN I/F 208 and causes the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A to return via the PCIe I/F 209B. In the copy mode 302,since the processing needs to be promptly started when the instructionof copy processing is input by the user, the operation unit 102, thescanner 103, and the printer 104 which are connected to thesemiconductor integrated circuit 200A are in the active state so as toexecute the processing immediately. As modules of the semiconductorintegrated circuit 200B that are in the power saving state, in contrast,the CPU 201B is in the C3 state, and the DRAM 401B is in a Self-Refreshstate. Further, the PICe I/F 209B and the PCIe I/F 209A are in the D3state. The sub-CPU 224A shifts the HDD 402, the DRAM 401A, and the mainCPU 201A to the power saving state at a timing when the PCIe I/F 209A isshifted to the D3 state. This processing will be described in detailbelow. Further, image processing modules connected to the image bus 210are in a clock-gate state where supply of the clock is stopped, and theDRAM 404 is in the Self-Refresh state. The expansion processing device406 is also in the clock-gate state. The CPU 201B executes theabove-described processing with respect to the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200B, and the main CPU 201A or the sub-CPU 224A executes theprocessing with respect to the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a state of the main controller101 in the low power state (power saving state) 303B of the print mode303. The state in FIG. 7 is approximately the same as the state in thecopy mode 302 in FIG. 6, and different in that the operation unit 102and the scanner 103 are in the power saving state.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a state of the main controller101 in the power saving state 304B of the sleep mode 304. The state inFIG. 8 is different from that of the print mode 303 in FIG. 7 in thatpower supplied to the printer 104 is stopped. Further, in the sleep mode304, the image processing modules connected to the image bus 210 areshifted to a state where power supply is stopped from the clock-gatestate where supply of a clock is stopped, and power supplied to the DRAM404 is also stopped, so as to enhance the power saving effect.

<Power Saving State of PCIe Function>

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the power saving states of thefunctions of the PCIe I/F 209A and the power saving states of the HDD402 and the DRAM 401A of the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A ofthe present invention. The PCIe I/F 209A has a plurality of registers.The PCIe I/F 209A has at least two registers “Func 0” and “Func 1”. TheHDD 402 is allocated to the Func 1, and the DRAM 401A is allocated tothe Func 0.

In a State 1, both of the Func 0 and Func 1 are in the D0 state, i.e.,the active state, and the HDD 402 and the DRAM 401A are also in theactive state. In a State 2, the Func 0 is in the D3 state, i.e., thepower saving state, the Func 1 is in the D0 state, i.e., the activestate, and the HDD 402 and the DRAM 401A are in the active state.Although the Func 0 is in the D3 state, the DRAM 401A is set to theactive state because the DRAM 401A is used when the HDD 402 is operated.In a State 3, both of the Func 0 and the Func 1 are in the D3 state,i.e., the power saving state, and both of the HDD 402 and the DRAM 401Aare in the power saving state. In a State 4, the Func 0 is in the D0state, i.e., the active state, the Func 1 is in the D3 state, i.e., thepower saving state, and the HDD 402 and the DRAM 401A are in the powersaving state and the active state, respectively.

The states of the PCIe functions, the HDD 402, and the DRAM 401A aredefined by the above-described States 1 to 4.

<Power Saving Shifting Flow>

FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating processing forshifting the HDD 402 and the DRAM 401A to the power saving state. Thesub-CPU 224A of the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A executesprocessing according to a program stored in the ROM 405A to realize theflowchart in FIG. 10.

The CPU 201B of the semiconductor integrated circuit 200B shifts thePCIe I/F 209A to the D3 state. The PCIe I/F 209A can be shifted to theD3 state by setting the register of the PCIe I/F 209A. In step S1001, itis determined whether the sub-CPU 224A receives an interrupt signal fromthe PCIe I/F 209A. The PCIe I/F 209A outputs an interrupt signal whenany one of the registers of the PCIe I/F 209A, i.e., Func 0 and the Func1, is set to the D3 state. If the sub-CPU 224A receives the interruptsignal from the PCIe I/F 209A (YES in step S1001), the processingproceeds to step S1002. The sub-CPU 224A, upon receipt of the interruptsignal, shifts the PCIe I/F 209A to the D3 state and the PCIe bus 200Cto the L3 state or the L1 state. By executing the above processing, thePCIe bus 200C is brought into a non-communicable state or a statecommunicable only at low speed. When the PCIe I/F 209A is shifted to theD3 state, a clock supplied to the PCIe I/F 209A is stopped.

In step S1002, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether the receivedinterrupt signal is an interrupt signal caused by change of the Func 1.If the sub-CPU 224A determines that the received interrupt signal is theinterrupt signal caused by change of the Func 1 (YES in step S1002), theprocessing proceeds to step S1003. If the sub-CPU 224A determines thatthe received interrupt signal is the interrupt signal caused by changeof the Func 0 (NO in step S1002), the processing proceeds to step S1004.In step S1003, the sub-CPU 224A sets a power saving flag for the HDD402. This flag is set in a register area (not illustrated) accessible bythe sub-CPU 224A.

In step S1004, the sub-CPU 224A stops or reduces a the clock supply to amodule within the semiconductor integrated circuit 200A which is notused, or stops the power supply to a module that is not used.

Further, in step S1005, the sub-CPU 224A shifts the main CPU 201A to thepower saving state. The power saving state of the main CPU 201A refersto a wait-for-interrupt state or a clock-gate state. Since the main CPU201A accesses the HDD 402 or the DRAM 401A, the main CPU 201A is shiftedto the power saving state before the HDD 402 or the DRAM 401A is shiftedto the power saving state. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1006.

In step S1006, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether both of the Func 0and the Func 1 which the CPU 201B sets to the power saving state are inthe D3 state. If both of the Func 0 and the Func 1 are in the D3 state(YES in step S1006), the processing proceeds to step S1007. If not bothof the Func 0 and the Func 1 are in the D3 state (NO in step S1006), theprocessing proceeds to step S1008.

In step S1007, the sub-CPU 224A shifts the DRAM 401A to the power savingstate. The power saving state of the DRAM 401A refers to a Self-Refreshstate or a power down state. The sub-CPU 224A shifts the DRAM 401A tothe power saving state by accessing the register of the DRAM I/F 203A.

In step S1008, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether a power saving flagis set to the HDD 402. If the flag is set (YES in step S1008), theprocessing proceeds to step S1009. If the flag is not set (NO in stepS1008), the processing is ended.

In step S1009, the sub-CPU 224A shifts the HDD 402 to the power savingstate. Specifically, the sub-CPU 224A shifts the HDD 402 to the Slumberstate. In addition, in a case where a solid state drive (SSD) is used inplace of the HDD 402, the sub-CPU 224A shifts the SSD to a Dev-Sleepstate. The sub-CPU 224A shifts the HDD 402 to the power saving state bysetting the register of the HDD I/F 205.

By the above-described processing flow, the HDD 402 and the DRAM 401Aare shifted to the power saving state after the PCIe I/F 209A is shiftedto the D3 state. By executing the above-described processing, anapplication operating on the CPU 201B will not access the HDD 402 or theDRAM 401A when the HDD 402 or the DRAM 401A is being shifted or has beenshifted to the power saving state, so that occurrence of the time-outerror can be prevented.

In the above-described present embodiment, although two PCIe functionshave been described, the number of PCIe functions is not limited to theabove, and two or more PCIe functions may be provided. Further, althoughthe HDD 402 and the DRAM 401A have been described as the devicesconnected to the PCI device, another device such as an SSD can beconnected thereto as long as the device can be shifted to the powersaving state.

<Power Saving Returning Control Flow>

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing for returning the HDD 402and the DRAM 401A from the power saving state. The sub-CPU 224A of thesemiconductor integrated circuit 200A executes the processing accordingto a program stored in the ROM 405A to realize the flowchart in FIG. 11.

In step S1101, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether the interrupt signalis received from the PCIe I/F 209A. When the CPU 201B sets either one ofthe Func 0 and the Func 1 of the PCIe I/F 209A to the D0 state, the PCIeI/F 209A outputs the interrupt signal. In addition, the CPU 201B can setthe function of the PCIe I/F 209A even if the PCIe I/F 209A is in the D3state. If the interrupt signal is received and either one of thefunctions is set to the D0 state (YES in step S1101), the processingproceeds to step S1104. If either one of the functions is not set to theD0 state although the interrupt signal is received (NO in step S1101),the processing proceeds to step S1102.

In step S1102, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether the interrupt signalreceived in step S1101 indicates a return of the semiconductorintegrated circuit 200A. A return instruction from the root complex ofthe PCIe which causes the CPU 201B to return and a return instructionfrom the end point of the PCIe which causes the semiconductor integratedcircuit 200A to return are given as the factors which cause the PCIe toreturn from the power saving state. In step S1102, the sub-CPU 224Adetermines whether a return instruction is provided from the end point,and in step S1101, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether a returninstruction is provided from the root complex. If the sub-CPU 224Adetermines that the return instruction is provided from the end point(YES in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1103. If thereturn instruction is not from the end point (NO in step S1102), theprocessing returns to step S1101.

In step S1103, the return processing is executed according to the returninstruction from the end point of the PCIe. In the return processing,first, the root complex is informed about the return. Specifically, amethod of informing the root complex about the return by using a wakesignal or a beacon can be employed, although the method thereof shouldbe changed depending on the power saving state and the settings. By theprocessing with respect to the root complex, the power state is returnedfrom the D3 state to the D0 state. A known method is used for theabove-described return processing, so that detailed descriptions thereofwill be omitted. When the return processing is completed, the processingproceeds to step S1104.

In step S1104, the sub-CPU 224A determines whether the Func 1 of thePCIe I/F 209A is in the D0 state. If the Func 1 is in the D0 state (YESin step S1104), the processing proceeds to step S1105. If the Func 1 isin the D3 state (NO in step S1104), the processing proceeds to stepS1106. In step S1105, the HDD 402 is returned from the power savingstate to the active state. The processing for returning the HDD 402 tothe active state varies depending on the power saving state. A knownmethod is used for the above-described return processing, so thatdetailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In step S1106, the DRAM401A is returned from the power saving state to the active state. Theprocessing for returning the DRAM 401A to the active state is executedby setting the register of the DRAM I/F 203A.

In step S1107, the main CPU 201A is returned from the power savingstate.

By the above-described processing flow, the processing for returning thepower state from the power saving state can be executed with respect tothe two functions of the PCIe I/F 209A. In the above-described presentembodiment, although two PCIe functions have been described, the numberof PCIe functions is not limited to the above, and two or more PCIefunctions may be provided. Further, although the HDD 402 and the DRAM401A have been described as the devices connected to the PCI device,devices of any type can be connected without any problem.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiment, an image forming apparatus has beendescribed as an example of the electronic apparatus of the presentinvention. However, the electronic apparatus according to the presentinvention is not limited to an image forming apparatus. For example, theelectronic apparatus of the preset invention is applicable to variouselectronic apparatuses such as a notebook computer, a tablet PC, adesktop PC, a smartphone, an automobile, an air-conditioning apparatus,a gaming machine, and a robot.

In the above-described embodiment, the sub-CPU, upon receipt of aninterrupt signal, shifts the PCI bus to a non-communicable state or astate communicable only at low speed. However, the CPU 201B or the PCIeI/F 209A may shift the PCI bus to the non-communicable state or thestate communicable only at low speed without receiving an instructionfrom the sub-CPU.

According to the aspect of the present invention, a device connected toa PCI device can be shifted to a power saving state without having anaccess error.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toembodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited tothe disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to beaccorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all suchmodifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2019-020148, filed Feb. 6, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a firstdevice; a second device connected to the first device via a peripheralcomponent interconnect (PCI) bus; and a third device connected to thesecond device and configured to be shifted to a power saving state,wherein the first device brings the PCI bus into a non-communicablestate or a state communicable at low speed, and wherein the seconddevice shifts the third device to the power saving state after the PCIbus is shifted to the non-communicable state or the state communicableat low speed.
 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe second device includes a PCI interface to which the PCI bus isconnected and a sub-processor that changes a power state of the thirddevice, and wherein the PCI interface outputs a predetermined signal tothe sub-processor, so that the sub-processor changes the power state ofthe third device to the power saving state according to thepredetermined signal.
 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the sub-processor changes the power state of the third device tothe power saving state by stopping a clock to the third device orstopping a power supply to the third device.
 4. The electronic apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the second device further includes a mainprocessor, and wherein the sub-processor brings the main processor intoa power saving state according to the predetermined signal.
 5. Theelectronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power savingstate of the main processor is a wait-for-interrupt state.
 6. Theelectronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third device is ahard disk drive (HDD) and wherein the second device shifts the HDD to aSlumber state after the PCI bus is shifted to the non-communicable stateor the state communicable at low speed.
 7. The electronic apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the third device is a solid state drive(SSD) and wherein the second device shifts the SSD to a Dev-Sleep stateafter the PCI bus is shifted to the non-communicable state or the statecommunicable at low speed.
 8. The electronic apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the PCI interface includes a plurality of resisterscorresponding to functions, and outputs the predetermined signal to thesub-processor when a predetermined value is stored in at least one ofthe resisters.
 9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 8, whereinthe PCI interface brings the PCI bus into a non-communicable state or astate communicable at low speed according to an instruction from thesub-processor that receives the predetermined signal.
 10. The electronicapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the PCI interface brings the PCIbus into a non-communicable state or a state communicable at low speedwhen a predetermined value is stored in at least one of the resisters.11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein thesub-processor shifts the third device to the power saving stateaccording to a value of a predetermined resister from among theplurality of resisters and shifts another device different from thethird device to a power saving state according to values of a pluralityof predetermined resisters from among the plurality of resisters. 12.The electronic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third deviceis an HDD, and the another third device is a dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM).
 13. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a printer.
 14. The electronic apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a scanner.
 15. A control method of anelectronic apparatus including a first device, a second device connectedto the first device via a peripheral component interconnect, PCI, bus,and a third device connected to the second device and configured to beshifted to a power saving state, the control method comprising: bringingthe PCI bus into a non-communicable state or a state communicable at lowspeed; and shifting the third device to the power saving state afterbringing the PCI bus into the non-communicable state or the statecommunicable at low speed.